My Dear Readers,

On a couple of occasions in the past week, the Rain Gods decided to give us a teaser of the oncoming, much awaited monsoons – in the form of random, short-lived drizzles. Whether one was indoors noticing the gentle showers on the window panes, or outdoors, as I was, feeling the soothing, cool water-droplets caress the skin and console the parched soul – it brought about instant smiles on all our faces.

A few months down the line, this very mental-red-carpet-welcome that we dole out to the much-awaited monsoons, will turn to disdain once the rains descend – with renewed reappearances of deeper-than-ever potholes, horrid water logging, endless traffic jams, accidents, upsurge in malaria, et al. And once again we will find ourselves complaining about the season, eagerly awaiting the next one. Déjà vu?

While there’s not much we can do to control nature’s decisions to suit our conveniences, there are a few decisions we could make to empower the very source of all our conveniences – our wellbeing. May 31st marks ‘World No Tobacco Day’ (WNTD) – and whether we are active smokers or passive, we owe it our ourselves and the wellbeing of our loved ones to stand up against the number one killer-addiction in the world – smoking. As Zoroastrians, it becomes our double-fold responsibility to eliminate this self-destructive habit – first, because we are respected as one of the most progressive and educated races worldwide; and second, because it goes against our very religious tenets. Do read this issue’s Special Feature, ‘Say No To Tobacco/Smoking’, which shares crucial insights into the same.

Here’s wishing you a healthy, relaxed weekend, and as the words of the great Eckhart Tolle, “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life”, resound in my head, right ‘now’ I find myself yearning for the rains, and all it brings along, notwithstanding… How about you?

Anahita